On Monday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced a ban on the film “The Kerala Story” by producer Vipul Shah in the state. The movie, starring Adah Sharma, was released on May 5 amid controversy and opposition through petitions challenging its screening. Following protests in various cities including Chennai, multiplexes in Tamil Nadu had stopped showing the film the day before Banerjee’s announcement. In a statement quoted by news agency ANI, Banerjee mentioned that the decision to ban the film was taken to prevent any incidents of violence or hatred and to maintain peace in the state. “The Kerala Story” portrays the story of a Hindu woman from Kerala who is converted to Islam and trafficked to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).
Critics have denounced the film for allegedly promoting hatred against the Muslim community. Responding to Banerjee’s announcement, Vipul Shah stated that he would take legal action and fight within the provisions of the law. Besides Adah Sharma, the movie also features Yogita Bihani, Siddhi Idnani, and Sonia Balani in lead roles, while some viewers have accused it of being propaganda. Adah Sharma defended the movie, urging people to research “ISIS” and “Brides” on Google to learn the truth.
